By FROILAN GALLARDO
Special Correspondent
THE government has rejected for the second time an attempt to negotiate for the remaining Maute gunmen to leave Marawi City unharmed in exchange for the safe release of some 30 hostages.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the offer to negotiate came from former Marawi mayor Omar Solitario and was relayed to him by Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza this week.
Lorenzana said it was the second attempt to negotiate with the Maute-led terror group now holding Marawi City.
Unlike the first attempt, Lorenzana said he flatly rejected the offer.
“It is too late. He should have done the negotiations during the first week of the Marawi fighting where we still have few casualties,” Lorenzana said.
Lorenzana added that it would be a disgrace to the 145 soldiers who died in fighting the terrorists since May 23.
He said military officers vehemently opposed to any talks with the Maute gunmen now that they have contained them in a small pocket in Marawi.
“We have them cornered already. Why the offer,” Lorenzana told reporters here.
Apparently, Solitario’s offer was triggered by a speech by President Duterte in Taguig City where he said he is sending somebody to negotiate the release of the hostages held by the Maute group.
Lorenzana said Solitario and his group are asking for safe conduct pass to reach the Isis-Maute gunmen holding Marawi City.
Lorenzana showed reporters the text message forwarded by Dureza reportedly from Solitario: “Boss, Omar here. Just secure authority and free movement for us and, with God’s help, we can fix the Mrwi debacle. Boss, I suggest we end the fighting, so that a more integrated counter extremist scheme can be launched.”
On Aug. 22, Lorenzana upon recommendation of Dureza, cleared Solitario and his sons who is on the wanted list persons for supporting the Maute rebellion, under Arrest Orders Nos. 1 and 2 issued on May 29 and June 5.
Facing vehement opposition from military officers, Lorenzana revoked the order a few days later.
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